Yamashita Takeo's "Playgirl Theme" - OP/ED Theme to 『プレイガール』/"Playgirl" (1969-1975)

One of my favorite dramas from the 70s is the Toei produced, TV Tokyo (Tokyo Channel 12) Japanese crime thriller series 『プレイガール』/"Playgirl".  It is considered somewhat of a cult classic and a "guilty pleasure" by many. With its unique brand of titillation, risque humor, sexy action and pure 70s styling and flair, the show commanded at one time an unprecedented 17.8% rating for its time. Part of that appeal certainly could be attributed to its alluring and beautiful cast of stars who would often be called upon to strip down and show off their ample assets in order to flirt with the audience with their sexy charm.

Image courtesy of http://ameblo.jp/kazzp0610/day-20130817.html

In the annals of Japanese dramas, "Playgirl" was a bold and innovative experiment in adult oriented entertainment. One must remember that this series debuted at a time before Japanese erotic entertainment was widely available outside of adult theatres, prior to Nikkatsu establishing its ピンク映画/ロマンポルノ films and before the advent of AVs (adult videos). While Toei would release a number of violent sexploitation/teen gang ("Sukeban") movies collectively known in the West as "Pinky Violence" films during this same time such as the 『ズベ公番長』 series (1970-1971), 『女番長ゲリラ』 (1972), 『女番長』 series (1973-1974), 『恐怖女子高校』 series (1972-1973) and 『女番長ブルース』 series (1971-1972), "Playgirl" would serve as Toei's first foray in this type of genre on TV. 

The drama's setup is relatively straightforward - When wealthy mystery novelist and independently wealthy socialite 天戸昌子/Tendo Masako (popular 60s chanson singer 戸川昌子/Togawa Masako) decides to start up a new business venture, she settles upon a unique private Insurance & Investigation Agency. Recruiting a number of beautiful "thrill seeking" amateur detectives, she sets up shop in a swank office in an upscale Tokyo neighborhood, and together they form the "PLAYGIRL(s)" as they affectionately call themselves.  While the bulk of the cases and mysteries Masako and her "Playgirls" investigated involved insurance scams, drug trafficking, white collar crimes, fraud, white slavery and outrageous heists orchestrated by nefarious organized crime rings and other unscrupulous criminals (i.e. the Yakuza), some of their cases bordered on the bizarre and strange (i.e. investigating various hauntings and other supernatural mysteries involving malicious ghosts, otherworldly spirits and other evil forces).

The Original "Playgirls" - Image courtesy of  http://tsuri-ten.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2011/04/post-78f8.html

Although many would note that "Playgirl" bears more than a passing resemblance to the iconic American 70s detective TV series "Charlie's Angels" (ABC - 1976-1981), "Playgirl" it turns out surprisingly predates that series by a good seven years. If anything, "Playgirl" clearly gets much of its influence from the landmark UK action/adventure series "The Avengers" (ABC/ITV; 1961-1969) as well as the cult American detective TV series "Honey West" (ABC; 1965-1966). "The Avengers' " smart and sexy heroine Emma Peel (portrayed by the classy and stunningly beautiful Dame Diana Rigg) in particular proved to be the ideal template for the "Playgirl" heroines, who like Emma Peel would not only use their wily female charms to disarm their opponents but would also use their exceptional martial arts skills to take down their predominantly male adversaries in often spectacular style.

While the "Playgirl" TV Series is unrelated to the Adult Magazine "Playboy" & "Playgirl", the look and feel of the show did hint at and play upon the adult magazine's popularity in Japan, even going so far as to spoof the style of the Japanese magazine's (週刊プレイボーイ) logo font.

1978 issue of Shukan Playboy Japan - Image courtesy of http://hiroshioka1125.life.coocan.jp/book_collection/yokomizoseisi/shuei_sha/shukan_playboy_1978_8_29_NO35/shukan_playboy_1978_8_29_NO35.html

Influences - Emma Peel (Dame Diana Rigg) and Honey West (Anne Francis) - Images courtesy of  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anne_Francis_Honey_West_1965.JPG and http://www.futuresack.com/index.php/news/406/56/The-Avengers-1961-69-vs-The-Avengers-2012.htm

The Second Wave of "Playgirls" - Image courtesy of http://blogs.dion.ne.jp/boti/archives/8053357.html

During it's long six year run (4/7/1969 to 9/30/1976) a whopping twenty-two actresses were part of the "Playgirls" at one time or another.  Usually each episode featured no more than five of the girls at one time and each episode would try to rotate the cast around but invariably some of the actresses were featured more often than others, due to their popularity among audience members. The cast featured a "who's who" of Nikkatsu Thriller/Crime Film, Tokusatsu TV and Toei "Pinky Violence" film alumni including some recognizable faces.

The Playgirls are:

Playgirl - The Original Team - First Row - L-R-  "Oka-San"/Madam (Togawa Masako); "One" (Sawa Tamaki); Lan-Fan (Oh Lan-Fan); Bottom Row - L-R - Mako (Midori Mako); Akemi (Mari Akemi) and Yukko (Kuwabara Yukiko)

沢村たまき/Sawamura Tamaki (AKA オネエ/One/Big Sister) - Portrayed by former actress/singer turned politician 沢たまき/Sawa Tamaki.  Served as the team leader of the "Playgirls" for most of the series. Tall and elegant with a cool headed personality, Tamaki was easily able to take charge of any situation. Her expertise in Kick Boxing would put fear into many of her opponents. Had expert skills in driving cars and even had a piloting license for a Cessna. Sawa would appear in the "Playgirl" sequel series "Playgirl Q" as well as have cameo appearance in both the 1992 and 2003 reboot movie specials. Sawa was a popular jazz singer during the early 60s before turning to acting. She would retire from acting in 1995 to go into government service where she became a member of Japan's House of Councillors representing Tokyo's District 12. She would unfortunately pass away in 2003 due to illness.

蘭芳/Lan-Fan (AKA Lan-Fan) - Portrayed by actress/singer 應蘭芳/Oh Lan-Fan.  Original member of the "Playgirls". Hong Kong born but raised in Tokyo. Like Tamaki, Lan-Fan was also a skilled driver. London-born Oh Lan-Fan is probably most familiar to audiences as the silver-skinned heroine モル/Moll AKA Silvar, wife of the Japanese superhero "Magma" from the cult Tokusatsu series 『マグマ大使』/"Magma Taishi" (P-Pro; 1996) AKA "Ambassador Magma" ("Space Giants").

一條マコ/Ichijou Mako (AKA Mako) - Portrayed by actress 緑魔子/Midori Mako. Highly intelligent but socially awkward, Mako tended to shy away from action and instead look after the office and handle the book-keeping. Referred to in the Opening Credits as the "man-hater" (which may have hinted to her sexual preference). Not very athletic or proficient in hand-to-hand combat, Mako would eventually have second thoughts about this career choice and leave the group very early on. Midori is perhaps best remembered by Western audiences for her haunting performance as abducted model Aki in the cult film 『盲獣』/"Moju" (AKA "Blind Beast"; Daiei, 1969).

星明美/Hoshi Akemi (AKA Akemi) - Portrayed by actress 真理明美/Mari Akemi. Original member of the "Playgirls" and one of the few to stay with the series throughout its entire run. Was proficient in Karate.  Although Mari would star in other films and TV series, "Playgirl" would prove to be her most memorable role.

原幸子/Hara Yukiko (AKA Yukko) - Portrayed by actress 桑原幸子/Kuwabara Yukiko.  Although she was referred to as "weak" and a "cry baby" when she was first introduced, she eventually found her groove and even became quite proficient in hand-to-hand combat as the series progressed. Kuwabara was a regular face in Toei films and had supporting roles in a number of their "Pinky Violence" films including 『不良番長』/"Furyou Bancho" (1968), 『ボディガード牙 必殺三角飛び』/"Bodyguard Kiba" (1973) and 『不良番長 練鑑ブルース』/"Furyou Bancho - Renkan Blues" (1969)

The New Recruits - Top - L-R - Machiko (Yashiro Machiko); Yuming (Han Bunjaku); Runako (Takatsuki Mariko); Bottom Row - L-R - Kaoru (Hama Kaoru); Reiko (Ohshida Reiko) and Mieko (Nishio Mieko).

五代万智子/Godai Machiko (AKA Machiko) - Portrayed by lanky and tall actress 八代万智子/Yashiro Machiko.  When Machiko first debuted in the series, she actually worked for a rival Private Investigation office but during the course of the episode she was eventually swayed to join the "The Playgirl" agency. She was promoted to co-leader (second to Tamaki) and acted as the "Big Sister" to the group. With her cool demeanor, sexy charm and natural leadership skills she would be one of the "Playgirls" most valuable members. Yashiro is most familiar to Western audiences as Mamoru's mother in the Tokusatsu series 『マグマ大使』/"Magma Taishi" (P-Pro; 1996) AKA "Ambassador Magma" ("Space Giants") where she co-starred along fellow castmate Oh Lan-Fan.

ユーミン・ダロワ/Yuming Darowa (AKA Yuming) - Portrayed by actress 范文雀/Han Bunjaku. Yuming was a good friend of Tamaki and was recruited by her to join "The Playgirls" after the departures of members Mako and Lan-Fan. Was originally born and raised on a small island near Bangkok. Is proficient in Aikido. The stunningly beautiful, Taiwan born Han Bunjaku would star in a number of films for Toei and Nikkatsu before she would get her big break in the TBS' live action adaptation of the popular volleyball anime 『サインはV』 as the tragic character of June Sanders, Yumi's rival and teammate.  Han Bunjaku would also co-star in other hit Japanese TV series such as 『影の軍団』/"Kage No Gundan" and 『Gメン'75』/"G-Men 75".

庭ルナ子/Niwa Runako (AKA Runako) - Portrayed by actress 高月毬子/Takatsuki Mariko.  Lived abroad in Paris, France for a number of years before returning to Japan. Just happened to be on the same flight as Yuming. In the beginning of the series, Runako had a very cold and serious disposition but as the series continued she opened up more to the rest of the group. Is a skilled lockpick. Takatsuki had a number of small roles in various movies and TV series before her role in "Playgirl". 

古城かおる/Koshiro Kaoru (AKA Kaoru) - Portrayed by actress 浜かおる/Hama Kaoru. Fashionable, flamboyant and flighty, the pixie-haired Kaoru was one of the more flashy members of the Playgirls. However despite her somewhat comical looks, she fought like a demon with her impressive street-fighting skills. Hama was a frequent regular in Nikkatsu studio's crime and romance movies of the 60s. 

太田礼子/Otta Reiko (AKA Reiko) - Portrayed by beautiful actress/singer 大信田礼子/Ohshida Reiko.  After her mentor/Martial Arts teacher was mysteriously murdered, cute and spunky tomboy Reiko travels from her country hometown in Kumamoto to Tokyo to track down the killers. She encounters the "Playgirls" during her search and together they crush the criminal gang responsible for the murder. Reiko is one of the toughest of the "Playgirls" being a Blackbelt in multiple fighting forms and techniques including Karate, Aikido and Judo. She is also skilled in horseback riding, archery, Kendo and knife throwing. I absolutely adore Ohshida and instantly fell in love with this gorgeous beauty after seeing her in the Toei "Pinky Violence" series 『ずべ公番長』/Zubeko Bancho (1970-1971) which made her famous. It was her success in this series that earned her a spot in the "Playgirl" TV series.  She would unfortunately leave the series after only a few dozen episodes to further pursue her music career and do more movies.

山尾三枝子/Yamao Mieko (AKA Mieko) - Portrayed by actress 西尾三枝子/Nishio Mieko. Mieko was another one of the early members that stayed with the group for most of the duration of the series. Nishio had various small parts in a number or movies for Toei and Nikkatsu before starring in "Playgirl".  

Playgirl - Generation 3 - Top - L-R- Yumiko (Katayama Yumiko); Mimi (Fukada Mimi); Kiyomi (Otta Kiyomi); Bottom Row - L-R - Yayoi (Watanabe Yayoi); Junko (Miyazono Junko) and Eiko (Yanami Eiko)

片岡由美子/Kataoka Yumiko (AKA Yumiko) -  Portrayed by former child actress 片山由美子/Katayama Yumiko.  While following up on a case that takes them to the remote countryside of Northern Japan near Hokkaido, the Playgirls encounter the lone cowgirl Yumiko, a rambunctious, wild and rebellious orphan roaming the vast fields of the countryside. Skilled in horseback riding and a ferocious fighter (with knowledge of Karate and street-fighting techniques), Yumiko helps the Playgirls apprehend their fugitives and in the process is asked to join their Agency. As the series progressed, Yumiko is slowly transformed from a rough-and-tumble tomboy (she sported leather chaps and a cowboy hat) to a chic, trendy and vivacious "go-go" girl). With her trademark long, colored hair and frequently wearing revealing super mini-skirts which showed off her long shapely legs, Katayama was not surprisingly one of the most popular stars of the "Playgirl" series. Who would have thought that the slightly chubby young teenager who played Nishino Mitsuko (Agent U5) in the Tokusatsu series 『ジャイアントロボ』/"Giant Robo" AKA "Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot" (NET/Toei-1967) would grow up to be become such a "Playgirl" beauty. Katayama further distanced herself from her child actress roots by starring in a number of Toei's adult-themed "Pinky Violence" films including - 『ずべ公番長 ざんげの値打もない』/"Zubeko Bancho - Zange No Neuchi Mo Nai" （1971); 『女囚701号/さそり』/"Jyoushu 701 Go/Sasori" (1972); 『番格ロック』/"Bankoku Rock" (1973)

田村ミミ/Tamura Mimi (AKA Mimi) - Portrayed by actress 深田ミミ/Fukada Mimi. As with several of the other "Playgirl" members, 16 year-old Mimi was first introduced to the group amid a criminal case that the Playgirls were investigating. Orphaned and with no other relatives to look after her, she was adopted by the Playgirls and became their youngest member who they considered a little sister.  A huge fan of mystery-novels, Mimi's inquisitive nature, street-smarts and youthful energy made her a great asset to the team. Despite her tiny size, she would often surprise her teammates by taking down opponents twice her size with her impressive street fighting skills. Fukada would later go on to star in the obscure Tokusatsu action series 『バトルホーク』/"Battle Hawk" (Toyo/TV Tokyo; 1976) portraying Yurka/Queen Hawk. Fukada's daughter is former AV Actress 山崎亜美/Yamazaki Ami. 

一条きよみ/Ichijou Kiyomi (AKA Kiyomi) - Portrayed by singer/actress 太田きよみ/Otta Kiyomi. Initially Otta appeared in an early episode of "Playgirl" as a guest star but made enough of an impression on producers that she was asked to become a regular on the show portraying an entirely different character.


田辺やよい/Tanabe Yayoi (AKA Yayoi) -Portrayed by actress 渡辺やよい/Watanabe Yayoi.  The Playgirls encounter Yayoi while investigating a case on the small island of Hachijoshima where Yayoi was an "Ama" (female shellfish diver). Yayoi's father had been murdered having been entangled in a illegal gold smuggling operation that had been set up on the island. The Playgirls later discover that Yayoi's estranged older brother (who was involved with the Yakuza) was involved in the murder. Before being taken away, he asks the Playgirls to look after his sister.  Watanabe was a Toei regular who would go on to appear in many of their "Pinky Violence" and adult-themed thrillers such as  『女囚さそり けもの部屋』/"Onna Jyoshu Sasori - Kemono No Beya" (1973);  『女囚さそり 701号怨み節』/"Onna Jyoshu Sasori - 701 Go - Urami Bushi" (1973);  『ウルフガイ 燃えろ狼男』/"Wolf Guy - Moeru Okami Otoko" (1975); 『女番長ブルース 牝蜂の挑戦』/"Onna Bancho Blues - Mesubachi No Chosen" (1972); 『女囚701号-さそり』/"Onna Jyoshu 701 Go - Sasori" (1972); 『ボディガード牙』/"Bodyguard Kiba" (1973).


宮野純子/Miyano Junko (AKA Junko) - Portrayed by actress 宮園純子/Miyazono Junko.  Along with Machiko and Tamaki, Junko was one of the eldest member of the group and was often seen as everyone's "big sister".  She did not appear as frequently as the other members as she primarily operated out of the Kyoto and Osaka areas. With her refined and very classy demeanor (she often opted to wear Traditional Japanese Kimonos) Junko was a mature and quiet beauty that was in nice contrast to her more flashy and brash sisters.  Yet when necessary or provoked, Junko would display great ferocity in battle. Armed with a traditional Japanese Katana (sword) or a Daisho set (long sword and short sword), she would expertly cut down her opponents with a single slash. MIyazono was another familiar face having had small roles in a number of Toei's modern crime/thriller and Samurai dramas.


三波映子/Minami Eiko (AKA Eiko) - Portrayed by actress 八並映子/Yanami Eiko.  Eiko and her Magician boyfriend are returning to Japan after traveling the world promoting their Magic Act and Illusion Show when they stumble upon an illegal Gold Trafficking operation in Chiba Prefecture. While the Playgirls intervene and save the couple from the gangsters involved in the smuggling operation, Eiko's boyfriend is killed during the altercation. Eiko teams up with the Playgirls to get revenge on the criminals. Once the case is over Eiko asks to join the Playgirls (having no where else to go). A skilled Magician and escape artist, Eiko's slight-of-hand skills come in very handy as does her fighting skills (all the Playgirls seem to have some type of street fighting experience it seems).  Yanami had small parts in a number of genre films including the Gamera film 『ガメラ対深海怪獣ジグラ』 AKA "Gamera vs. Zigra" (1971); 『女囚さそり 第41雑居房』/"Onna Jyoshu Sasori Dai 41 Zatsu Kyobou" (1972) and 『すっぽん女番長』/"Zuppan Onna Bancho" (1971).  Yanami would only appear in a few episodes of the series before leaving the show.

The Final Wave - Top Row - L-R - Yuriko (Hishimi Yuriko); Michiko (Azuma Michiko); Bottom Row - L-R - Sanae (Obari Sanae) and Rena (Natsuki Rena).

菱田ゆり子/Hishida Yuriko (AKA Yuriko) - Portrayed by Tokusatsu idol and sexy actress ひし美ゆり子/Hishimi Yuriko.  Yuriko was a nursing student going to a Junior College.  When her brother-In-Law (a Doctor) was falsely arrested by the Police, Yuriko decides to prove his innocence by infiltrating the Criminal Organization she suspected of being involved in the setup. With the help of the Playgirls, Yuriko is able to prove her Brother-In-Law's innocence and put away the real suspects. One year earlier, Yuriko's older sister had been involved in an extramarital affair and ran off with her lover, leaving Yuriko's Brother-In-Law. To add to the tragedy, her one-year old nephew was found abandoned and dead. Yuriko and her Brother-In-Law had lived together for a time thereafter which started rumors that they had fallen in love and were in a relationship. Yuriko seeking to separate herself from her Brother-In-Law (who had begun to fall in love with her) asks to join the Playgirls. Of all the Playgirls, Hishimi is perhaps my personal favorite. I fell in love with her ever since seeing her in her star-turning role as ウルトラ警備隊/Ultra Keibi Tai officer and medic 友里アンヌ/Yuri Anne in Tsuburaya's popular and groundbreaking sci-fi/Tokusatsu series 『ウルトラセブン』/UltraSeven (Tsuburaya; 1967).  "Playgirl" would mark a turning point in Hishimi's career as it gave her the opportunity to shake her "good girl" image and establish a more mature and sexier image for herself. During the course of "Playgirl", Hisimi's character Yuriko would undergo a slow but dramatic transformation from genteel and shy girl to a sexy and wild hellcat. Hisimi would star in a number of Toei's adult-themed action movies including their 『不良番長』/"Furyo Bancho" film series but it was her bold and aggressive appearance in the erotic cult classic 『ポルノ時代劇 忘八武士道』 AKA "Boachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight" (1973) that really made her into a sex symbol. Hishimi would continue to act in various dramas and films including returning to the Ultra franchise that made her a star. Hishimi also released a number of Nude Pictorials and Photo Books that really cemented her cover girl status.

東田みち子/Higashida Michiko (AKA Michiko) - Portrayed by singer/actress 東三千/Azuma Michi. One of the last few members to join the Playgirls. Not much information is available for Azuma other than she had released a few songs in the late 60s and early 70s. Would also appear in the sequel "Playgirl Q".

小堀早苗/Kobari Sanae (AKA Sanae) - Portrayed by model/actress 大堀早苗/Obari Sanae.  As with Michiko, Sanae was another late addition to the team just as the series was winding down. Not much information is available for Obari save that she was a model/dancer and had previously appeared in various Nikkatsu films including co-starring in the obscure dark Lesbian thriller/drama 『残酷おんな情死』/"Zankoku Onna Jyoushi" (1970) along with alluring exotic beauty 真理アンヌ/Anuu Mari (who would have been a perfect candidate for "Playgirl"). 


夏井レナ/Natsui Rena (AKA Rena) -Portrayed by 夏樹 レナ/Natsuki Rena.  Rena was the last to be recruited for the Playgirl team and she was only featured in the last few episodes of the series. Rena is another Toei regular who had minor roles in various Toei movies and TV shows.

When "Playgirl" ended its six year run (airing 287 Episodes), it was quickly followed by a sequel entitled simply "Playgirl Q" (1975).  Sawa Tamaki would return to headline the series as "Big Sister" Tamaki. The story was very straightforward - After the events of "Playgirl", the Playgirls disband and it would be a year before Tamaki would grow bored of retirement and re-form the "Playgirls" with another group of thrill-seeking, adventurous girls to assist her with her Private Investigation Agency. While there would be some familiar faces returning to assist Tamaki, a number of younger girls would also be recruited to join the team.  The new "Playgirl Q" team would consist of:

キャシー/Kathy  - Portrayed by Maui/Hawaii-born Eurasian actress キャシー中島//Cathy Nakajima. Kathy was a swimming instructor at a local gym that Tamaki is a member at when she is recruited by Tamaki. Nakajima was a successful model and CM actress prior to her starring in "Playgirl Q". She would later retire as an actress to find fame as a Hawaiian Quilt designer.  Her daughter is model and jewelry designer 勝野七奈美/Katsuno Nanami.

ミミ/Mimi - Portrayed by model/actress and singing idol turned 80s Women's Wrestling star ミミ萩原/Hagiwara Mimi. While not related to Tamura Mimi (Fukada Mimi) who was with the team in the original series, like her Mimi was also a young orphan who is "adopted" by Tamaki. At 16 years old, she is the youngest member of the team and is a happy-go-lucky teenager (she is an expert pick-pocket) who aspires to be a cool and elegant thrill-seeker like Tamaki. Eurasian Hagiwara Mimi is half French/Swiss and Japanese who spent some of her childhood in Switzerland before returning to Japan.  She is a graduate of the American School in Japan. One of her first breakout roles was as cute chocolate-loving "Kamen Rider Girl" チョコ/Choco in the cult Tokusatsu TV series 『仮面ライダー』/"Kamen Rider" (NET; 1971) in which she starred along another Eurasian beauty and singing idol 山本リンダ/Yamamoto Linda, who would herself go on to star in the cult "Playgirl" semi-sequel 『ザ・スーパーガール』/"The Supergirl" (1979). While "Playgirl Q" gave her more exposure and opened up the opportunity as a singing idol in which she released a couple of singles in the early 70s, it wasn't until the late 70s and early 80s that she found fame. With the huge popularity of Japanese Women's Wrestling in the late 70s and early 80s, and the fandom surrounding such wrestling stars such as the Wrestling idol team ビューティ・ペア/Beauty Pair (who would also inspire the Anime characters the 『ダーティペア』/"Dirty Pair") Mimi was inspired to further her career by becoming a Wrestling idol. Adopting the name Hagiwara Mimi (her real name is Hagiwara Tamie, while her stage name was simply "Mimi"), Hagiwara became an instant hit. With her cute idol looks, buxom and stylish, slim figure coupled with her acrobatic fighting style, Mimi was a stark contrast to her mannish and brutish opponents.  Mimi would retire from wrestling in 1984 although would periodically return to the ring for various special events over the years.

ルリコ/Ruriko - Portrayed by nude model/centerfold and actress 池島ルリ子/Ikejima Ruriko.  Ruriko is another amateur detective and thrill-seeker that Tamaki recruited for the team. Her regular profession is a hospital nurse. Not much information is available for Ikejima other than her work as a nude model and centerfold for various magazines of the time. "Playgirl Q" was her first acting role.


ミチ/Michi - Portrayed by singer/actress 東三千/Azuma Michi. One of the few original "Playgirl" actresses to transition to the sequel. While I'm not completely sure but I believe she portrayed a different character from her previous character of Higashida Michiko. Michi was a college student and a Junior College who also worked as an attendant at a local bath house. She provided much of the comedy for the series with her somewhat bumbling character. 

夏井レナ/Natsui Rena (AKA Rena) -Portrayed by 夏樹 レナ/Natsuki Rena.  One of the few original "Playgirl" actresses to transition to the sequel.  Reprised her Rena role from the original "Playgirl" series. 

The Girls of "Q" - Top Row L-R - One/Tamaki (Sawa Tamaki); Kathy (Kathy Nakajima); Mimi (Hagiwara Mimi); Bottom Row - L-R - Ruriko (Ikejima Ruriko); Michi (Azuma Michi) and Rena (Natsuki Rena).

Other members would include:

アキコ/Akiko - Portrayed by singer and actress/model 中村晃子/Nakamura Akiko. Akiko was an adventurous professional freelance camera woman who loved fast cars (she drove a Pontiac Firebird) and thrill-seeking.  Nakamura released a number of singles during the late 70s and early 80s.  After "Playgirl Q", Nakamura would also be a regular cast member of two other action series - 『影の軍団 III』(Fuji TV; 1982) and 『西部警察 PART-III』 (Asahi; 1983). 

チエ/Chie - Portrayed by actress 小林千枝/Kobayashi Chie. Was a later addition to the team. Not much information is available for Kobayashi but she did appear in an early episode of 『仮面ライダー』/"Kamen Rider" (NET; 1971) as a villain and also appeared in the original "Playgirl" series as a different character.

ニッキ/Nikki - Portrayed by singer, model and actress 森田日記/Morita Nikki.  Another late addition to the series. Morita is half French and Japanese. With her exotic looks she was a popular cover girl model in the 70s. Her modeling career also gave her the opportunity to pursue a career as an actress and singer. 

トモコ/Tomoko - Portrayed by model and actress 藍とも子/Ai Tomoko.  Ai was the last to join the "Playgirl Q" team and only appeared in the last dozen or so episodes. "Godzilla" movie fans will recognize Ai as the beautiful cyborg Mafune Katsura in 『メカゴジラの逆襲』 AKA "Terror of MechaGodzilla" (Toho; 1975).  Ai also had a reoccurring role in Tsuburaya's Ultraman series『ウルトラマンレオ』/"Ultraman Leo" (TBS, 1974).

The Second Wave - Top Row - L-R - Akko (Nakamura Akiko); Chie (Kobayashi Chie); Bottom - L-R - Nikki (Morita Nikki) and Tomoko (Ai Tomoko). 

Like "Playgirl", "Playgirl Q" featured some nudity and sexual content (which was allowed by Japanese censors) but was a bit more toned down in action to "Playgirl".  Although "Playgirl Q" generated decent ratings, it unfortunately proved to not be as huge a hit as its predecessor and thus only lasted a modest 78 episodes.  It was followed by two unrelated sequel series 『ザ・スーパーガール』/"The Supergirl" (1979) and 『ミラクルガール』/"Miracle Girl".

It would not be until sixteen years later that we would see "Playgirl" again.

Image courtesy of http://blog.livedoor.jp/shimma/archives/51774287.html

As part of TV Tokyo's popular 『月曜・女のサスペンス』/"Monday - Women's Suspense Drama" anthology series, a special two-hour episode of "Playgirl" was broadcast. With a somewhat campy title - 『プレイガール'92 嵐を呼ぶハイレグ軍団 黒真珠殺人事件』/"Playgirl '92 - Arashi O Yobu High Leg Gundan - Kuroi Shinjyu Satsujin Jiken" (A High Legged Army Calls Forth A Storm - The Murder Case of the Black Pearl), "Playgirl '92" tried to keep in the spirit of the Original series by featuring a comely cast of actresses, sexy action, risque humor and a complex murder mystery but in the end the series did not quite capture the same tone of the Original series. 

As in the original series, the "Playgirls" are a group of thrill-seeking amateur detectives and adverturers who are part of a Private Investigation service.  In a departure from the Original series, the characters did not share the same name as the actresses who portrayed them.

The cast included:

片平なぎさ/Katagira Nagisa  as 四条美樹/Shijou Miki.  Katagira is an actress, model and singer. When she initially debuted in the early 80s, she was loftily promoted by her Production company as the "2nd 山口百恵/Yamaguchi Momoe" owing to her resemblance to the legendary singer.  She would go on to star in a number of TV series including the Daiei TVs series 『スチュワーデス物語』 (1983) in which she gave a memorable performance as the villainous Shindo Mariko and 『ポニーテールはふり向かない』 (1985). She would also star in a number of drama specials in the 80s and 90s which earned her the title of  "Queen of the Japanese  2 Hr. Dramas".

鳥越マリ/Torigoe Mari as 橘友佳里/Tachibana Yukari. Torigoe is an actress, model and singer. With her trademark pixie hair and slim figure she was said to be very popular among High School boys when she first debuted in the early 80s. Torigoe released a number of music singles but none really made it to the Oricon charts.

中村綾/Nakamura Aya as 夏川マヤ/Natsukawa Maya.  Nakamura is a model and actress. She began her career as a teen model. Has since gone on to star in numerous TV Dramas and films.

高野敦子/Takano Atsuko as 糸井和絵/Itoh Kazue. Takano is a model who has made numerous appearances on various men's magazines. "Playgirl '92" was one of her first forays into acting. 

青山知可子/Aoyama Chikako as 北園愛/Kitazono Ai. Aoyama is probably more familiar to fans for her work outside of Japan as she starred in the cult Hong Kong erotic sci-fi film "Robotrix" (1991).  Her other credits include various other "V-Cinema" and direct-to-video horror and crime thriller films.

Playgirl '92 - Top Row - L-R - Miki (Katagira Nagisa); Yukari (Torigoe Mari); Maya (Nakamura Aya); Bottom Row - L-R -Kazue (Takano Atsuko) and Ai (Aoyama Chikako).

"Playgirl - The Movie" (2003) Poster - Image courtesy of http://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/userid/712132/blog/d20121013/

In the subsequent years that followed after "Playgirl '92", interest in the original series began to grow owing much to rebroadcasts of the entire series on the ファミリー劇場/Fami-Geki subscription satellite/cable TV service.  Several of former cast members including Oh Lan-Fan, Watanabe Yayoi, Katayama Yumiko and Hama Kaoru would come out of retirement and form a Talent and Promotional Company called naturally "Playgirl Office" where they would further promote the "Playgirl" series by overseeing the Official Fan Club and help market new talent managed by the company. Toei also released in 2003 a "Best of" 4--disc DVD box set of the series featuring the first appearances of the various team members.  

Encouraged by the renewed interest in the series as well as the success of the campy American big-budget film adaptation of the "Charlie's Angels" TV Series (Columbia; 2000), Toei decided to once again revisit the show but this time adapt it to the big screen.  As with the McG reboot/revision, "Playgirl" was reimagined as something bigger than a police procedural or murder-mystery show and had more elements of "James Bond style" spy action.  In the case of "Playgirl", the team was recreated as a Special Government Task Force (in the film, the name "Playgirl" was a tongue-and-cheek play on the initials of their Department name - Private Government or "PG").  In a bit of a tribute to the Original Charlie's Angels show, the "Playgirls" were all Policewomen who are secretly part of the "Playgirls" (in an odd irony, the girls in the "Charlie's Angels" movie are more like "Playgirl" in that they are amateur thrill-seekers with no Law Enforcement background).

Charlie's Angels 2000 vs Playgirl 2003

The Playgirls were:


床嶋佳子/Yokoshima Yoshiko as 相良遙/Sagara Haruka. Sagara was a former Undercover Detective with experience working as an officer in the Los Angeles Police Department (another reference to "Charlie's Angeles"). Betrayed by her former lover (an elusive former Japanese Drug Enforcement Agent), she decides to return to Japan to rebuild her life and joins forces with the Japan's National Police Force to form a Special Task Unit of skilled Police Officers that investigates crimes that go beyond the scope of ordinary Police Enforcement (battling Organized Crime Rings and other Super Criminals).  Actress Yokoshima originally found fame as a ballet dancer but decided to go into acting. She has starred in numerous TV specials, dramas and films.


佐藤江梨子/Sato Eriko as 三輪かおる/Mitsuwa Kaoru. Mitsuwa is a Policewoman who is recruited by Sagara to join her PG/"Playgirls".  She joined the "Playgirls" as a way to escape the drudgery of her normal daily duties (she is assigned to the Police Secretary Pool) so that she can prove herself in the field (she displays a great knack in undercover work). Tall, Buxom and leggy "SatoEri" is a former model and actress. Western audiences are probably best familiar with her as Kisaragi Honey AKA "Cutey Honey" in the 2004 live action film adaptation of the cult anime series directed by Hideaki Anno. Sato has subsequently starred in various other films and TV series. Over the years, Sato has frequently been the target of various Paparazzi photos and the victim of salacious tabloid rumors.

岡元夕紀子/Okamoto Yukiko  as 神津由美子/Kouzu Yumiko.  Kouzu is part of the Forensics Department and uses her skills as a CSI technician to help the "Playgirls". Okamoto is a former model and actress who frequently can be seen in Independent films and projects. Her first major role was in the cult film  『バウンス ko GALS』(1997). 

加藤明日美/Katou Asami  as  森夏美/Mori Natsumi.  Mori is an officer with the Information Systems/Intelligence Department and uses her computer skills to assist the "Playgirls".  Katou is a former Gravure Idol and model.

八幡えつこ/Yawata Etsuko as 篠原文/Shinohara Aya.  Aya is a motorbike officer for the Police Department and uses her expert skills as a motorcycle rider and driver for the group. Like Katou, Yawata is also a former Gravure Idol and model. "Playgirl" was one of her first major roles as an actress. She has since however retired as an actress.

Playgirl 2003 - Top Row - L-R - Haruka (Yokoshima Yoshiko); Kaoru (Sato Eriko); Yumiko (Okamoto Yukiko); Bottom Row - L-R - Natsumi (Katou Asami) and Aya (Yawata Etsuko)

"Playgirl' was shown in movie theatres only during a limited engagement and quickly moved on to DVD thereafter. The response to the film was mixed perhaps due to its limited budget, and somewhat lackluster script.  The film disappointed both fans of the old series and audiences new to the franchise who expected (perhaps unfairly) something comparable to the "Charlie's Angels" reboot film.  
 

Toei would not again revisit the "Playgirl" franchise until recently (nine years later) with another TV special. This time it would be ファミリー劇場 who would team up with sister cable/satellite network 東映チャンネル/Toei Channel for this next reboot project. 

As with the movie version, the "Playgirls" were again a envisioned as a clandestine Secret Task Force of special operatives who were less like police officers and thriller-seekers but rather as "Super Government Agents" with office around the world (i.e. Paris). The girls were a bit younger and wore almost "dominatrix" style, PVC and leather "uniforms". The action was more intense as well with the fights being orchestrated similar to the 90's Hong Kong "Girls and Guns" movies with Kung Fu inspired fighting style and "wire-fu" effects.   

The Playgirls in this remake were:

杉本有美/Sukimoto Yumi as 七瀬凛（リン）/Nanase Rin AKA Rin - Sugimoto is a Gravure model and actress. She is perhaps most known for her role as 須塔美羽／ゴーオンシルバー/Suto Miu AKA Go-on Silver in the Tokusatsu TV series 『炎神戦隊ゴーオンジャー』/"Enjin Sentai Go-Onger" (2008). 

長澤奈央/Nagasawa Nao as 甲斐火那子（ヒナ）/Kahi Hinako AKA Hina - Actress, singer and model Nagasawa is another alumni from Tokusatsu TV having starred in the Super Sentai series 『忍風戦隊ハリケンジャー』/"Ninpu Sentai Harrkenja" (2002) as 野乃七海 / ハリケンブルー/Nanami Nono/Hurricane Blue. Her convincing stunt fighting skills would become a big asset for her in subsequent action films such as the recent  『トラベラーズ 次元警察』 (2013) and the upcoming action film 『009ノ1 ゼロゼロクノイチ』(2013) based on 石ノ森章太郎/Ishimori Shotaro's 1967 sci-fi manga which was adapted as both a live action TV series in 1969 (a precursor to "Playgirl") and an anime in 2006 (a series which I will also cover in a later post).

小沢真珠/Ozawa Maju  as 宍戸麗美（ドレミ）/Ozawa Mami AKA Doremi - Ozawa is an actress who has had small parts in various TV dramas and films.

伊藤かずえ/Itou Kazue as 雪見桜子（桜姉ェ）/Setsumi Yoko AKA One/Big Sister -Itou was the star of one of my favorite 80s teen dramas, Daiei TV's 『ポニーテールはふり向かない』/"Ponytail Wa Furimukenai" (1985) in which she portrayed the heroine, rebel "Sukeban" and troubled drummer 麻生未記/Asai Miki. She would later go on to star in a number of TV series and movies.  She was also a idol singer who released a number of pop singles. Tokusatsu TV fans will also note that she would have minor roles in the series 『獣拳戦隊ゲキレンジャー』/"Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger" (2007) and 『侍戦隊シンケンジャー』/"Samurai Sentai Shinkenger" (2009)

Playgirl 2012 - Top Row - L-R- Rin (Sukimoto Yumi); Hina (Nagasawa Nao); Bottom Row - L-R -Doremi (Ozawa Maju) and Yoko - One/Big Sister (Itou Kazue)

Fami-Geki also developed a tie-in special episode with the rebooted Police "Human Drama" ensemble show 『特捜最前線2012』/"Tokusou Saizen Sen" AKA "Speical Investigation Unit".  In the special entitled 『特捜最前線×プレイガール』 members of the "Playgirls" would crossover into the "Tokusou Saizensen" series to join forces inorder to solve a murder mystery. Fami-Geki and Toei Channel would promote this special as part of their 「ドラマクロスプロジェクト」/"Drama Cross Project".


However like the movie, "Playgirl 2012" again failed to connect with audiences and was quickly forgotten (in another odd irony, the ABC reboot "Charlie's Angels" in 2011 would also fail).

The "Playgirl" series was memorable not only for of its sexy action but also because of its eye-catching and almost psychedelic opening and ending title sequences and theme song.

Famed Japanese Jazz Musician/Composer 山下毅雄/Yamashita Takeo (not to be confused with City Pop/New Music musician and icon 山下達郎/Yamashita Tatsuo) contributed his exceptional musical talents to the show by composing the catchy title instrumental. 

Yamashita Takeo - Image courtesy of http://www.xiami.com/artist/561504287

Yamashita is a legend in the Japanese TV music scene of the 60s and 70s having composed a number of iconic themes for various shows including 『ジャイアントロボ』/"Giant Robo" (1967); 『七人の刑事』/"Shichinin no Keiji" (1961) and 『大岡越前』/"Oka Echizen" (1971) among others but his most famous work was his theme song for the 1st season of 『ルパン三世』 (1971). While not as popular as 大野雄二/"YOU and Explosion Band's" more rock/pop influenced 2nd season theme, Yamashita's modern jazz inspired theme seemed to capture more of the spirit of Monkey Punch's gentleman thief.


Yamashita's "Playgirl" theme also successfuly captured the wild spirt of its show.  With its slow beatnik jazz sound and repeative lyrics comprised solely of the phrase "Playgirl" amid occassional sexy cooing and female purring sounds, the theme was almost like a psychedelic music experience culminating in the slowed-down voice effect of "Plaaaygirrrl" at the end. The OP videos also proved to be quite an experiment in the bizarre (especially in the fist couple of seasons) with hallucinatory images of the girls in various skimpy outfits in various dreamy situations (chasing a empty baby carriage with balloons; frolicking at a swimming pool while playing "hot potato" with a six-shooter; playing games with phantom Kabuki "kuroko" attendands).  Later seasons would switch over to slightly less fanciful images of  action-footage montages with the girls "kicking ass" on their various male opponents. 

Playgirl Music File Cover - Image courtesy of http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/itoyaonline555/diary/201308060000/

While Yamashita's "Playgirl" Opening Theme is nice, my favorite theme for the show is their slightly more melancholy, wordless "Ending Theme".  The ending sequence was almost like a voyeur video as it followed the various "Playgirl" members as they walked around the streets of Tokyo. The provocative angles of the shots coupled with the intense closeups on the girls various body parts (primarily the face, feet and legs) was very erotic as it suggested hidden video footage. Intersperced in the footage was also scenes of a voluptuous "go-go" dancing on a glass stage (with the camea pointed up from ground level in an almost "up-skirt" fashion). The ending sequence culminated in a closeup of one of the Playgirls walking forward in mini-skirt and go-go boots with the camera aimed squarely on her ass.

"Playgirl" is a show that is rooted squarely in the 70s and is better for that. While Toei has tried three times to bring the show into the present, trying to update the story with the times, it has failed each time. "Playgirl" is a show that is best remembered and appreciated taken in the context of its 70s setting. Not only is "Playgirl" a great nostalgic timecapsule to the 70s (pre-Internet, computers and cellphones) but is also a nice look at the fashion, music and style of the time (I'm a big retro 70s/80s fan).

While many may decry that "Playgirl" (like "Charlie's Angels" was just a crude example of "jiggle TV"; an exploitative relic of the psychedelic 70s that crudely objectified woman as mere sex objects, I tend to disagree. "Playgirl" was a unique show for its time in that it featured a primarily all-female cast who would, in the course of each episode, prove to be in every way a man's equal. The "Playgirls" were an empowering example that Japanese women were not the subserviant, meek or male-dependent stereotypes that were shown in other media. The "Playgirls" were strong, smart and independenat and who would not only outsmart their male adversaries but also physically beat them (in a somewhat dominatrix type fashion).  

"Playgirl" has been spoofed over the years by various film makers with varying results. It has even been reinterpreted as a Japanese AV called 『プレイガール7』.  

Playgirl TV Series DVD Box Set - Image courtesy of http://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-cinemainc/10004263/?scid=af_pc_link_tbl&sc2id=238707290